Article of footwear with a sole structure having fluid-filled support elements

ABSTRACT

An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure incorporates a support element that includes a fluid-filled chamber, a first insert, and a second insert. The chamber defines a first surface, an opposite second surface, and a sidewall extending between the first surface and the second surface. The first insert is secured to the first surface and at least partially recessed into the polymer material of the chamber, and the second insert is secured to the second surface. In addition, the chamber may be pressurized to deform the first insert or the second insert.

STATEMENT OF RELATED APPLICATION

This non-provisional U.S. patent application is a continuationapplication and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/242,607 which was filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office onOct. 3, 2005, and entitled Article Of Footwear With A Sole StructureHaving Fluid-Filled Support Elements, now allowed, such priorapplication being entirely incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

A conventional article of athletic footwear includes two primaryelements, an upper and a sole structure. The upper provides a coveringfor the foot that securely receives and positions the foot with respectto the sole structure. In addition, the upper may have a configurationthat protects the foot and provides ventilation, thereby cooling thefoot and removing perspiration. The sole structure is secured to a lowersurface of the upper and is generally positioned between the foot andthe ground to attenuate ground reaction forces. The sole structure mayalso provide traction and control foot motions, such as over pronation.Accordingly, the upper and the sole structure operate cooperatively toprovide a comfortable structure that is suited for a wide variety ofambulatory activities, such as walking and running.

The sole structure of athletic footwear generally exhibits a layeredconfiguration that includes a comfort-enhancing insole, a resilientmidsole formed from a polymer foam, and a ground-contacting outsole thatprovides both abrasion-resistance and traction. Suitable polymer foammaterials for the midsole include ethylvinylacetate or polyurethane thatcompress resiliently under an applied load to attenuate ground reactionforces and absorb energy. Conventional polymer foam materials areresiliently compressible, in part, due to the inclusion of a pluralityof open or closed cells that define an inner volume substantiallydisplaced by gas. That is, the polymer foam includes a plurality ofbubbles that enclose the gas. Following repeated compressions, the cellstructure may deteriorate, thereby resulting in decreasedcompressibility of the foam. Accordingly, the force attenuationcharacteristics of the midsole may decrease over the lifespan of thefootwear.

One manner of reducing the weight of a polymer foam midsole anddecreasing the effects of deterioration following repeated compressionsis disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,183,156 to Rudy, hereby incorporated byreference, in which cushioning is provided by a fluid-filled bladderformed of an elastomeric materials. The bladder includes a plurality oftubular chambers that extend longitudinally along a length of the solestructure. The chambers are in fluid communication with each other andjointly extend across the width of the footwear. The bladder may beencapsulated in a polymer foam material, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,219,945 to Rudy, hereby incorporated by reference. The combination ofthe bladder and the encapsulating polymer foam material functions as amidsole. Accordingly, the upper is attached to the upper surface of thepolymer foam material and an outsole or tread member is affixed to thelower surface.

Bladders of the type discussed above are generally formed of anelastomeric material and are structured to have upper and lower portionsthat enclose one or more chambers therebetween. The chambers arepressurized above ambient pressure by inserting a nozzle or needleconnected to a fluid pressure source into a fill inlet formed in thebladder. Following pressurization of the chambers, the fill inlet issealed and the nozzle is removed.

Fluid-filled bladders suitable for footwear applications may bemanufactured by a two-film technique, in which two separate sheets ofelastomeric film are formed to exhibit the overall peripheral shape ofthe bladder. The sheets are then bonded together along their respectiveperipheries to form a sealed structure, and the sheets are also bondedtogether at predetermined interior areas to give the bladder a desiredconfiguration. That is, the interior bonds provide the bladder withchambers having a predetermined shape and size. Such bladders have alsobeen manufactured by a blow-molding technique, wherein a molten orotherwise softened elastomeric material in the shape of a tube is placedin a mold having the desired overall shape and configuration of thebladder. The mold has an opening at one location through whichpressurized air is provided. The pressurized air induces the liquefiedelastomeric material to conform to the shape of the inner surfaces ofthe mold. The elastomeric material then cools, thereby forming a bladderwith the desired shape and configuration.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the invention is an article of footwear having an upperand a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structureincorporates a support element that includes a fluid-filled chamber, afirst insert, and a second insert. The chamber defines a first surface,an opposite second surface, and a sidewall extending between the firstsurface and the second surface. The first insert is secured to the firstsurface and at least partially recessed into the polymer material of thechamber. The second insert is secured to the second surface.

The chamber may have a cylindrical configuration such that the firstinsert is recessed into an end of the cylindrical configuration. Thesecond insert may also be at least partially recessed into the polymermaterial of the chamber. In some embodiments, the chamber is devoid ofinternal connections that join the first surface and the second surface.In addition, the chamber may be pressurized to deform at least one ofthe first insert and the second insert.

Another aspect of the invention is a method of manufacturing afluid-filled element. The method may include a step of forming a chamberfrom a polymer material. An insert may be secured to a surface of thechamber. The chamber is then pressurized to deform the insert.

The advantages and features of novelty characterizing various aspects ofthe invention are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims.To gain an improved understanding of the advantages and features ofnovelty, however, reference may be made to the following descriptivematter and accompanying drawings that describe and illustrate variousembodiments and concepts related to the aspects of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing Summary, as well as the following Detailed Description,will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

FIG. 1 is a lateral side elevational view of an article of footwear.

FIG. 2 is a medial side elevational view of the article of footwear.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a support element of the article offootwear.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the support element.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the support element, as defined bysection line 5-5 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the support element.

FIG. 7 is an exploded side elevational view of the support element.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the support element in a non-pressurizedconfiguration.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the support element in thenon-pressurized configuration.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the support element in thenon-pressurized configuration, as defined by section line 10-10 in FIG.9.

FIG. 11A-11D are schematic cross-sectional views of a mold depictingsteps for manufacturing the support element.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a support component having four supportelements.

FIG. 13 is a lateral side elevational view of another article offootwear.

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of a portion of the article offootwear depicted in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional of the portion of the article of footwear,as defined by section line 15-15 in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is an exploded side elevational view of the portion of thearticle of footwear depicted in FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of a plate member of the article offootwear depicted in FIG. 13.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the plate member.

FIG. 19 is a top plan view of a support component of the article offootwear depicted in FIG. 13.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the support component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Introduction

The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose an article offootwear having support elements in accordance with aspects of thepresent invention. Concepts related to the support elements aredisclosed with reference to footwear having a configuration suitable forthe sport of running. The support elements are not solely limited tofootwear designed for running, however, and may be incorporated into awide range of athletic footwear styles, including shoes that aresuitable for baseball, basketball, football, rugby, soccer, tennis,volleyball, and walking, for example. In addition, the support elementsmay be incorporated into footwear that is generally considered to benon-athletic, including a variety of dress shoes, casual shoes, sandals,and boots. An individual skilled in the relevant art will appreciate,therefore, that the concepts disclosed herein with regard to the supportelements apply to a wide variety of footwear styles, in addition to thespecific style discussed in the following material and depicted in theaccompanying figures.

An article of footwear 10 is depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 as including anupper 20 and a sole structure 30. For purposes of reference in thefollowing material, footwear 10 may be divided into three generalregions: a forefoot region 11, a midfoot region 12, and a heel region13, as defined in FIGS. 1 and 2. In addition, footwear 10 includes twosides: lateral side 14 and medial side 15, as also defined in FIGS. 1and 2. Lateral side 14 is positioned to extend along a lateral side ofthe foot and generally passes through each of regions 11-13. Similarly,medial side 15 is positioned to extend along an opposite medial side ofthe foot and generally passes through each of regions 11-13. Regions11-13 and sides 14-15 are not intended to demarcate precise areas offootwear 10. Rather, regions 11-13 and sides 14-15 are intended torepresent general areas of footwear 10 that provide a frame of referenceduring the following discussion. Although regions 11-13 and sides 14-15apply generally to footwear 10, references to regions 11-13 and sides14-15 may also apply specifically to upper 20, sole structure 30, or anindividual component within either upper 20 or sole structure 30.

Upper 20 is secured to sole structure 30 and defines a cavity forreceiving a foot. Access to the cavity is provided by an ankle opening21 located in heel region 11. A lace 22 extends in a zigzag patternthrough various apertures in upper 20. Lace 22 may be utilized in aconventional manner to selectively increase a size of ankle opening 21and modify certain dimensions of upper 20, particularly girth, toaccommodate feet with varying dimensions. Various materials are suitablefor upper 20, including leather, synthetic leather, rubber, textiles,and polymer foams, for example, that are stitched or adhesively bondedtogether. The specific materials utilized for upper 20 may be selectedto impart wear-resistance, flexibility, air-permeability, moisturecontrol, and comfort. More particularly, different materials may beincorporated into different areas of upper 20 in order to impartspecific properties to those areas. Furthermore, the materials may belayered in order to provide a combination of properties to specificareas. Although the configuration of upper 20 discussed above issuitable for footwear 10, upper 20 may exhibit the configuration of anyconventional or non-conventional upper.

Sole structure 30 is secured to a lower surface of upper 20 and includesan outsole 31 and a midsole 32. Outsole 31 forms a ground-engagingsurface of sole structure 30 and is formed of a durable, wear-resistantmaterial, such as rubber, that is textured to enhance traction. In someembodiments, outsole 31 may be formed integral with midsole 32 or may bea lower surface of midsole 32. A conventional midsole is primarilyformed of a polymer foam material, such as polyurethane orethylvinylacetate, as discussed in the Background of the Inventionsection. In contrast with the structure of a conventional midsole,midsole 32 defines a void 33 in heel region 13 that includes fourfluid-filled support elements 40 a-40 d. Void 33 extends through solestructure 30 from lateral side 14 to medial side 15 and has an uppersurface 34 and an opposite lower surface 35. Although midsole 32 may besubstantially formed from a polymer foam material, plates or otherelements in midsole 32 may define void 33. Each of support elements 40a-40 d extend between surfaces 34 and 35 to provide ground reactionforce attenuation as footwear 10 impacts the ground during running,walking, or other ambulatory activities. In addition, support elements40 a-40 d may impart stability or otherwise control foot motions, suchas the degree of pronation. Sole structure 30 may also include an insolepositioned within the cavity formed by upper 20 and located to contact aplantar (i.e., lower) surface of the foot, thereby enhancing the overallcomfort of footwear 10.

Support Element Structure

The primary portions of support element 40 a, as depicted in FIGS. 3-7,are a fluid-filled chamber 50 and a pair of inserts 61 and 62. Chamber50 is a sealed bladder formed from a polymer material that encloses apressurized fluid. The fluid places an outward force upon chamber 50that tends to distend surfaces of chamber 50. That is, the fluid hassufficient pressure to cause various surfaces of chamber 50 to bulge orotherwise protrude outward. Surfaces 34 and 35 of void 33 have agenerally planar configuration in areas where support element 40 acontacts and is secured to midsole 31. Inserts 61 and 62 are secured toan exterior of chamber 50 to limit the distension in various surfaces ofchamber 50 and provide generally planar areas that may join withsurfaces 34 and 35 of void 33.

Chamber 50 has a generally cylindrical structure that includes a firstsurface 51, an opposite second surface 52, and a sidewall surface 53extending between first surface 51 and second surface 52. Chamber 50 isformed, as described in greater detail below, from a pair of polymerbarrier layers that are substantially impermeable to a pressurized fluidcontained by chamber 50. One of the barrier layers forms both firstsurface 51 and sidewall surface 53, and the other of the barrier layersforms second surface 52. Accordingly, the barrier layers are bondedtogether around their respective peripheries to define a peripheral bond54 that seals the pressurized fluid within chamber 50. In furtherembodiments, each of the barrier layers may form portions of sidewallsurface 53 such that peripheral bond 54 is positioned between firstsurface 51 and second surface 52.

Inserts 61 and 62 have a generally circular structure and are bonded orotherwise secured to an exterior of chamber 50. More specifically,insert 61 is recessed into and secured to first surface 51, and insert62 is recessed into and secured to second surface 52. Each of inserts 61and 62 have a plate-like structure with two opposite surfaces and atapered sidewall. That is, the area of the surface that faces outward isgreater than the area of the surface that faces inward and is bonded tochamber 50, and the sidewall forms the taper between the two surfaces.In further embodiments, each of the surfaces of inserts 61 and 62 mayhave substantially equal areas.

Each of inserts 61 and 62 are recessed into chamber 50, as depicted inFIG. 5. More particularly, the polymer material of chamber 50 is securedto one surface and the tapered sidewall of each of inserts 61 and 62.The polymer material of chamber 50 extends, therefore, from a lowersurface of support element 40 a to an upper surface of support element40 a. Sidewall 53 forms, therefore, the exposed portion of supportelement 40 a when incorporated into footwear 10. Inserts 61 and 62 mayhave a diameter that is equal to a diameter of surfaces 51 and 52.Alternatively, the diameter of inserts 61 and 62 may be in a range of90% to 110%, for example, of a diameter of surfaces 51 and 52, or thediameter of inserts 61 and 62 may vary beyond this range. Accordingly,inserts 61 and 62 may have a lesser or greater area than surfaces 51 and52.

Inserts 61 and 62 are depicted as being substantially identical to eachother. In some embodiments, however, the diameters, thicknesses, ormaterials forming inserts 61 and 62 may be different. Furthermore, eachof inserts 61 and 62 may include unique protrusions or indentations thatassist with positioning support element 40 a in void 33 of midsole 32.Each of inserts 61 and 62 are also depicted as having substantiallyconstant thicknesses. In some embodiments, however, the thickness ofinsert 61, for example, may vary such that one side of insert 61 isthicker than an opposite side of insert 61. Similarly, the thickness ofinsert 61 may vary such that a central area is thicker than a peripheralarea.

FIGS. 3-7 depict support element 40 a in a pressurized configuration,wherein the fluid within support element 40 a places an outward forceupon first surface 51, second surface 52, and sidewall surface 53 due todifferences in pressure between air surrounding chamber 50 and thefluid. For purposes of comparison, FIGS. 8-10 depict support element 40a in a non-pressurized configuration, wherein differences in pressurebetween air surrounding chamber 50 and the fluid are minimal. In thepressurized configuration, inserts 61 and 62 exhibit a substantiallyplanar structure. That is, neither of inserts 61 and 62 exhibitsubstantial curvature or other non-planar characteristics. In thenon-pressurized configuration, however, inserts 61 and 62 each bowinward and toward a center of support element 40 a. That is, both ofinserts 61 and 62 exhibit a curved structure in the non-pressurizedconfiguration. Accordingly, the outward force of the pressurized fluidwithin chamber 50 tends to deform inserts 61 and 62 from a non-planarstructure to a generally planar structure.

Support elements 40 a-40 d are devoid of internal connections betweenfirst surface 51 and second surface 52. That is, first surface 51 andsecond surface 52 are not connected through an interior of supportelements 40 a-40 d. Some prior art fluid-filled bladders in footwearinclude a plurality of internal connections to prevent surfaces frombulging or otherwise protruding outward. The presence of inserts 61 and62, however, limits the degree to which first surface 51 and secondsurface 52 protrude outward. Accordingly, internal connections betweenfirst surface 51 and second surface 52 are not necessary. In someembodiments, however, internal connections may be utilized.

A variety of thermoplastic polymer materials may be utilized for chamber50, and particularly the barrier layers, including polyurethane,polyester, polyester polyurethane, and polyether polyurethane. Anothersuitable material for chamber 50 is a film formed from alternatinglayers of thermoplastic polyurethane and ethylene-vinyl alcoholcopolymer, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,713,141 and 5,952,065 toMitchell et al, hereby incorporated by reference. A variation upon thismaterial wherein the center layer is formed of ethylene-vinyl alcoholcopolymer; the two layers adjacent to the center layer are formed ofthermoplastic polyurethane; and the outer layers are formed of a regrindmaterial of thermoplastic polyurethane and ethylene-vinyl alcoholcopolymer may also be utilized. Chamber 50 may also be formed from aflexible microlayer membrane that includes alternating layers of a gasbarrier material and an elastomeric material, as disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,082,025 and 6,127,026 to Bonk et al., both hereby incorporated byreference. In addition, numerous thermoplastic urethanes may beutilized, such as PELLETHANE, a product of the Dow Chemical Company;ELASTOLLAN, a product of the BASF Corporation; and ESTANE, a product ofthe B.F. Goodrich Company, all of which are either ester or ether based.Still other thermoplastic urethanes based on polyesters, polyethers,polycaprolactone, and polycarbonate macrogels may be employed, andvarious nitrogen blocking materials may also be utilized. Additionalsuitable materials are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,183,156 and4,219,945 to Rudy, hereby incorporated by reference. Further suitablematerials include thermoplastic films containing a crystalline material,as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,936,029 and 5,042,176 to Rudy, herebyincorporated by reference, and polyurethane including a polyesterpolyol, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,013,340; 6,203,868; and6,321,465 to Bonk et al., also hereby incorporated by reference.

Inserts 61 and 62 may be formed from a diverse range of materials.Suitable materials for inserts 61 and 62 include polyester, thermoseturethane, thermoplastic urethane, various nylon formulations, blends ofthese materials, or blends that include glass fibers. In addition,inserts 61 and 62 may be formed from a high flex modulus polyether blockamide, such as PEBAX, which is manufactured by the Atofina Company.Polyether block amide provides a variety of characteristics that benefitthe present invention, including high impact resistance at lowtemperatures, few property variations in the temperature range of minus40 degrees Celsius to positive 80 degrees Celsius, resistance todegradation by a variety of chemicals, and low hysteresis duringalternative flexure. Another suitable material for inserts 61 and 62 isa polybutylene terephthalate, such as HYTREL, which is manufactured byE.I. duPont de Nemours and Company. Composite materials may also beformed by incorporating glass fibers or carbon fibers into the polymermaterials discussed above in order to enhance the strength of inserts 61and 62. The material forming inserts 61 and 62 may exhibit a greatermodulus of elasticity than the material forming chamber 50. Whereas thematerial forming chamber 50 is generally flexible, the material forminginserts 61 and 62 may exhibit semi-rigid or rigid properties.

The fluid within chamber 50 may be any of the gasses disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 4,340,626 to Rudy, hereby incorporated by reference, such ashexafluoroethane and sulfur hexafluoride, for example. The fluid mayalso include gasses such as pressurized octafluorapropane, nitrogen, orair. In addition to gasses, various gels or liquids may be sealed withinchamber 50. Accordingly, a variety of fluids are suitable for chamber50. With regard to pressure, a suitable fluid pressure is fifteen poundsper square inch, but may range from zero to thirty pounds per squareinch. Accordingly, the fluid pressure within chamber 50 may berelatively high, or the fluid pressure may be at ambient pressure or ata pressure that is slightly elevated from ambient. When selecting afluid pressure, considerations include the shape and thickness ofinserts 61 and 62, the materials forming inserts 61 and 62, thematerials forming chamber 50, the type of footwear insert 40 a is usedin, the weight of the wearer, and the sport the wearer with participatein, for example.

Each of support elements 40 a-40 d may enclose a fluid with asubstantially similar fluid pressure. More particularly, the fluidpressure within support elements 40 a-40 d may be the same when solestructure 30 is in an uncompressed state. As portions of sole structure30 are compressed, the fluid pressure will rise in those supportelements 40 a-40 d that experience the greatest compression. Forexample, upon impact with the ground, support element 40 a may be morecompressed than support elements 40 b-40 d, and the fluid pressurewithin support element 40 a will be greater than the fluid pressurewithin support elements 40 b-40 d. As footwear 10 comes to rest and solestructure 30 is no longer compressed, the fluid pressure within each ofsupport elements 40 a-40 d will return to being the same. As analternative, however, the fluid pressure within support elements 40 a-40d may be different when sole structure 30 is in an uncompressed state.As an example, support element 40 a may initially have a fluid pressureof 15 pounds per square inch and each of support elements 40 b-40 d mayhave a greater initial fluid pressure of 20 pounds per square inch.Accordingly, the relative pressures within support elements 40 a-40 dmay vary significantly.

Manufacturing Process

One suitable manufacturing process for support element 40 a isschematically-depicted in FIGS. 11A-11D and involves the use of a mold70. A substantially similar process may be utilized for support elements40 b-40 d. Mold 70 includes a first mold portion 71 and a correspondingsecond mold portion 72. When joined together, mold portions 71 and 72define a cavity having dimensions substantially equal to the exteriordimensions of one of support elements 40 a-40 d. Mold 70 may be utilizedfor thermoforming chamber 50 and simultaneously bonding or otherwisesecuring inserts 61 and 62 to chamber 50. In general, inserts 61 and 62are placed in or adjacent to mold portions 71 and 72, and a pair ofbarrier layers 41 and 42, formed from a thermoplastic polymer material,for example are placed between mold portions 71 and 72. Barrier layers41 and 42, which form chamber 50, are then drawn into the contours ofmold 70 such that inserts 61 and 62 are respectively recessed into andbonded to barrier layers 41 and 42. In addition, mold portions 71 and 72compress barrier layers 41 and 42 together to form peripheral bond 54.Once barrier layers 41 and 42 have conformed to the shape of chamber 50,inserts 61 and 62 are bonded to barrier layers 41 and 42, and peripheralbond 54 is formed, chamber 50 may be pressurized with the fluid andsealed, thereby forming support element 40 a.

The manner in which mold 70 is utilized to form support element 40 afrom barrier layers 41 and 42 and inserts 61 and 62 will now bediscussed in greater detail. An injection-molding process, for example,may be utilized to form inserts 61 and 62 from the materials discussedabove. If necessary, inserts 61 and 62 may then be cleansed with adetergent or alcohol, for example, in order to remove surfaceimpurities, such as a mold release agent or fingerprints. The surfacesof inserts 61 and 62 may also be plasma treated to enhance bonding withchamber 50.

Following formation and cleansing, inserts 61 and 62 are placed betweenmold portions 71 and 72 and then positioned adjacent to mold portions 71and 72, as depicted in FIGS. 11A and 11B. A variety of techniques may beutilized to secure inserts 61 and 62 to mold portions 71 and 72,including a vacuum system, various seals, or non-permanent adhesiveelements, for example. In addition, inserts 61 and 62 may includevarious tabs that define apertures, and mold portions 71 and 72 mayinclude protrusions that engage the apertures to secure inserts 61 and62 within mold 70.

A plurality of conduits may extend through mold 70 in order to channel aheated liquid, such as water or oil, through mold 70, thereby raisingthe overall temperature of mold 70. As noted above, inserts 61 and 62are positioned within mold 70, and inserts 61 and 62 conduct the heatfrom mold 70, thereby raising the temperature of inserts 61 and 62. Insome embodiments of the invention, inserts 61 and 62 may be heated priorto placement within mold 70 in order to decrease manufacturing times, orvarious conductive or radiative heaters may be utilized to heat inserts61 and 62 while located within mold 70. The temperature of mold 70 mayvary depending upon the specific materials utilized for support element40 a. Following placement of inserts 61 and 62 within mold 70, barrierlayers 41 and 42 are heated and positioned between mold portions 71 and72, as depicted in FIG. 11B. The temperature to which barrier layers 41and 42 are heated also depends upon the specific material used.

The thickness of barrier layer 41 prior to molding may be greater thanthe thickness of barrier layer 42. Although barrier layers 41 and 42 mayexhibit different thicknesses prior to molding, each of barrier layers41 and 42 may have a substantially uniform thickness following molding.Although the thickness of barrier layers 41 and 42 may varysignificantly, a suitable thickness range for barrier layer 41 prior tomolding is 0.045 to 0.110 inches, with one preferred thickness being0.090 inches, and a suitable thickness range for barrier layer 42 priorto molding is 0.035 to 0.065 inches, with one preferred thickness being0.045 inches. Whereas barrier layer 42 only forms second surface 52 ofchamber 50, barrier layer 41 forms both first surface 51 and sidewallsurface 53 of chamber 50. The rationale for the difference in thicknessis that barrier layer 41 may stretch to a greater degree than barrierlayer 42 in order to form both surface 51 and sidewall surface 53.Accordingly, differences between the original, pre-stretched thicknessesof barrier layers 41 and 42 compensate for thinning in barrier layer 41that may occur when barrier layer 41 is stretched or otherwise distortedduring the formation of first surface 51 and sidewall surface 53.

Once inserts 61 and 62 and barrier layers 41 and 42 are positioned, moldportions 71 and 72 translate toward each other such that barrier layers41 and 42 are shaped, as depicted in FIG. 11C. As mold 70 contacts andcompresses portions of barrier layers 41 and 42, a fluid, such as air,having a positive pressure in comparison with ambient air may beinjected between barrier layers 41 and 42 to induce barrier layers 41and 42 to respectively contact and conform to the contours of moldportions 71 and 72. Air may also be removed from the area betweenbarrier layers 41 and 42 and mold portions 71 and 72 through variousvents, thereby drawing barrier layers 41 and 42 onto the surfaces ofmold portions 71 and 72. That is, at least a partial vacuum may beformed between the barrier layers 41 and 42 and the surfaces of moldportions 71 and 72. In addition, drawing barrier layers 41 and 42 ontothe surfaces of mold portions 71 and 72 also draws barrier layers 41 and42 into contact with inserts 61 and 62. Accordingly, barrier layers 41and 42 contact and are bonded to inserts 61 and 62 during this portionof the manufacturing process.

As the area between barrier layers 41 and 42 is pressurized and air isremoved from the area between mold 70 and barrier layers 41 and 42,barrier layers 41 and 42 conform to the shape of mold 70 and are bondedtogether. More specifically, barrier layers 41 and 42 stretch, bend, orotherwise conform to extend along the surfaces of the cavity within mold70 and form the general shape of chamber 50. Although barrier layers 41and 42 conform to extend along the surfaces of the cavity, barrierlayers 41 and 42 generally do not contact the portions of mold portions71 and 72 that are covered by inserts 61 and 62. Rather, barrier layer41 contacts and is compressed against the inward-facing surface ofinsert 61, thereby bonding barrier layer 41 to insert 61. Similarly,barrier layer 42 contacts and is compressed against the inward-facingsurface of insert 62, thereby bonding barrier layer 42 to insert 62.

The various outward-facing surfaces of inserts 61 and 62 are generallyflush with surfaces of chamber 50. As air pressurizes the area betweenbarrier layers 41 and 42 and air is drawn out of mold 70, barrier layers41 and 42 and inserts 61 and 62 are compressed against surfaces of mold70. Barrier layer 41 contacts the inward-facing surface of insert 61,conforms to the shape of insert 61, extends around the tapered sides ofinsert 61, and contacts the surface of mold portion 71. In this manner,insert 61 is recessed into chamber 50. Similarly, barrier layer 42contacts the inward-facing surface of insert 62, conforms to the shapeof insert 62, extends around the tapered sides of insert 62, andcontacts the surface of mold portion 72. In this manner, insert 62 isrecessed into chamber 50.

During bonding of barrier layers 41 and 42 to inserts 61 and 62, air maybecome trapped between barrier layer 41 and insert 61 and betweenbarrier layer 42 and insert 62, thereby reducing the effectiveness ofthe bond. In order to facilitate the removal of air from the areabetween barrier layers 41 and 42 and inserts 61 and 62, a plurality ofapertures may be formed through selected locations of inserts 61 and 62.These apertures may provide outlets for air and may correspond inposition with the various vents in mold 70.

Once support element 40 a is formed within mold 70, mold portions 71 and72 separate such that the combination of chamber 50 and inserts 61 and62 may be removed from mold 70, as depicted in FIG. 11D. The polymermaterials forming chamber 50 and inserts 61 and 62 are then permitted tocool, and a pressurized fluid may be injected in a conventional manner.As an example, a conduit formed during the bonding of barrier layers 41and 42 may be utilized to inject the fluid, and the conduit may then besealed at a position that corresponds with peripheral bond 54 to sealchamber 50. In addition, excess portions of barrier layers 41 and 42 maybe trimmed or otherwise removed from support element 40 a. The excessportions may then be recycled or reutilized to form additional barrierlayers. When each of support elements 40 a-40 d are formed using asingle mold, excess portions of barrier layers 41 and 42 may remain inorder to form a support component, as in FIG. 12, that may beincorporated into footwear 10.

The configurations of mold portions 71 and 72 affect the placement ofperipheral bond 54. One advantage of placing peripheral bond 54 at theinterface of second surface 52 and sidewall surface 53 is thatunobstructed visibility is retained through exposed portions of sidewallsurface 53. This configuration requires that barrier layer 41 stretch toa greater degree than barrier layer 42 in order to also form sidewallsurface 53. In further embodiments of the invention, however, peripheralbond 54 may be positioned at a midpoint of sidewall surface 53, orperipheral bond 54 may be positioned at the interface of first surface51 and sidewall surface 53. Accordingly, the elevation of peripheralbond 54 may be selected to limit or otherwise control the degree ofstretch in barrier layers 41 and 42.

As barrier layers 41 and 42 stretch during the thermoforming process,the thickness of barrier layers 41 and 42 decreases. The desiredresulting thickness of barrier layers 41 and 42 generally depends uponthe specific use and configuration of footwear 10. Selecting theposition of peripheral bond 54 and the initial thicknesses of barrierlayers 41 and 42 provides control over the degree of stretch in barrierlayers 41 and 42. Accordingly, the position of peripheral bond 54 andthe initial thicknesses of barrier layers 41 and 42 may be selected inorder to minimize the overall thickness of bladder chamber 50 whileretaining sufficient strength.

Although the thermoforming process discussed above is a suitable mannerof forming support element 40 a, a blow-molding process may also beutilized. In general, a suitable blow-molding process involvespositioning inserts 61 and 62 within at least one of two mold portionsand then positioning a parison between the mold portions, such as moldportions 71 and 72. The parison is a generally hollow and tubularstructure of molten polymer material. In forming the parison, the moltenpolymer material is extruded from a die. The wall thickness of theparison may be substantially constant, or may vary around the perimeterof the parison. Accordingly, a cross-sectional view of the parison mayexhibit areas of differing wall thickness. Suitable materials for theparison include the materials discussed above with respect to chamber50. Following placement of the parison between the mold portions, themold portions close upon the parison and pressurized air within theparison induces the liquefied elastomeric material to contact thesurfaces of the mold. In addition, closing of the mold portions and theintroduction of pressurized air induces the liquefied elastomericmaterial to contact the surfaces of inserts 61 and 62. Air may also beevacuated from the area between the parison and the mold to furtherfacilitate molding and bonding. Accordingly, support element 40 a mayalso be formed through a blow molding process wherein inserts 61 and 62are placed within the mold prior to the introduction of the moltenpolymer material.

A variety of other manufacturing techniques may also be utilized to formsupport element 40 a, in addition to thermoforming and blow-molding. Forexample, chamber 50 may be formed separate from inserts 61 and 62 andsubsequently bonded together. A dual-injection technique may also beutilized to simultaneously form chamber 50 and inserts 61 and 62 fromseparate materials. In some embodiments, a first element correspondingwith first surface 51 and sidewall surface 53 may be formed, a secondelement corresponding with second surface 52 may be joined thereto, anda pair of third elements corresponding with inserts 61 and 62 may thenbe secured to the exterior. Accordingly, structures having the generalshape and features of support element 40 a may be formed from a varietyof processes.

The above discussion related to the formation of support element 40 a.The various concepts discussed above apply, however, to each of supportelements 40 b-40 d. Accordingly, a substantially similar procedure maybe utilized to manufacture support elements 40 b-40 d. The variousconcepts discussed above may also be applied to other support elementconfigurations.

Exemplar Support Element Variations

Support elements 40 a-40 d are arranged such that support element 40 ais positioned adjacent lateral side 14, support element 40 b ispositioned adjacent lateral side 14 and forward of support element 40 a,support element 40 c is positioned adjacent medial side 15, and supportelement 40 d is positioned adjacent medial side 15 and forward ofsupport element 40 c. Accordingly, support elements 40 a-40 d arearranged in a square configuration. In further embodiments, supportelements 40 a-40 d may be offset from each other, or a lesser or greaternumber of support elements may be located within heel region 13.Additional support elements similar to support elements 40 a-40 d mayalso be positioned in one or both of forefoot region 11 and midfootregion 12. Alternatively, support elements similar to support elements40 a-40 d may be limited to either of forefoot region 11 and midfootregion 12. Accordingly, the number and positions of support elements 40a-40 d may vary significantly.

The structure of support element 40 a, and the structures of supportelements 40 b-40 d, may vary significantly from the general structurediscussed above and depicted in FIGS. 1-10. As an example, supportelements 40 a-40 d may be formed to exhibit a shape that varies fromcylindrical to include cubic and spherical. Alternately, sidewallsurface 53 may have an elliptical, triangular, or hexagonal shape incross-section, for example. In some embodiments, inserts 61 and 62 mayhave a planar shape in the non-pressurized configuration that becomesoutwardly-curved in the pressurized configuration. Inserts 61 and 62 mayalso be bonded to chamber 50 in a manner that does not include recessinginserts 61 and 62 into surfaces 51 and 52.

Inserts 61 and 62 are bonded to upper and lower surfaces of void 33 inmidsole 32, thereby securing support element 40 a to footwear 10.Accordingly, midsole 32 may include one or more plates, for example,that include bonding locations for support element 40 a. In furtherembodiments, inserts 61 and 62 may be formed of unitary (i.e.,one-piece) construction with the plates. That is, inserts 61 and 62 maybe formed of unitary construction with the polymer foam, plates, orother elements of midsole 31 that define void 33. This configurationreduces the number of connections necessary to join support element 40 ato midsole 31, and may also increase durability and reduce the number ofmanufacturing steps necessary for footwear 10.

Support elements 40 b-40 d are depicted as having a substantiallyidentical structure to support element 40 a. In some embodiments of theinvention, however, the relative heights of support elements 40 a-40 dmay vary, or the pressures of the fluid within support elements 40 a-40d may vary. In order to limit pronation (i.e., roll of the foot fromlateral side 14 to medial side 15), support elements 40 a and 40 b mayhave a lesser fluid pressure than support elements 40 c and 40 d, or thethickness of the barrier layers forming support elements 40 a and 40 bmay be less than the thickness of the barrier layers forming supportelements 40 c and 40 d. Accordingly, the relative structures of supportelements 40 a-40 d may vary significantly.

Each of inserts 61 and 62 are described above as having a plate-likestructure with two opposite surfaces and a tapered sidewall. In furtherembodiments, one or both of inserts 61 and 62 may define various ribsthat enhance the stiffness of inserts 61 and 62. Inserts 61 and 62 mayalso be formed to have various apertures that define a grid-likestructure. Furthermore, inserts 61 and 62 may each be formed of two ormore elements that are recessed into surfaces 51 and 52. For example,the two elements may be formed of different materials to impartdifferent properties to areas of support elements 40 a-40 d.Accordingly, inserts 61 and 62 may have a variety of configurations, inaddition to the configuration of a plate.

The specific configurations of support elements 40 a-40 d disclosedabove are intended to provide an example of support elements within thescope of aspects of the present invention. Various alternateconfigurations, however, may also be utilized. Referring to FIG. 12, asupport component having support elements 40 a-40 d connected by anx-shaped conduit 43 is depicted. In contrast with the individual supportelements 40 a-40 d disclosed above, conduit 43 places each of supportelements 40 a-40 d in fluid communication. When support elements 40 a-40d are formed as individual elements, a pressure increase associated withone of support elements 40 a-40 d does not increase pressure withinother support elements 40 a-40 d. When connected by conduit 43, however,increases in pressure are uniformly distributed among the varioussupport elements 40 a-40 d. In forming the support component, supportelements 40 a-40 d may be formed as a unit or each of support elements40 a-40 d may be formed separately and subsequently joined.

As noted above, the fluid pressure within support elements 40 a-40 d maybe the same when sole structure 30 is in an uncompressed state. Conduit43 may be utilized to ensure that the fluid pressure in each of supportelements 40 a-40 d is substantially identical. That is, the supportcomponent having support elements 40 a-40 d and conduit 43 may be formedand pressurized. In this state, each of support elements 40 a-40 d willhave a substantially identical fluid pressure. Conduit 43 can then besealed or otherwise blocked to remove support elements 40 a-40 d fromfluid communication with each other. In effect, therefore, sealingconduit 43 will isolate each of support elements 40 a-40 d from fluidcommunication and ensure that the initial pressure within each ofsupport elements 40 a-40 d is substantially identical.

Sealing conduit 43 may also utilized to isolate one of support elements40 a-40 d from fluid communication with other support elements 40 a-40d. For example, the portion of conduit 43 adjacent to support element 40a may be sealed to prevent fluid communication between support element40 a and each of support elements 40 b-40 d. Sealing only a portion ofconduit 43 may also be utilized to vary the fluid pressure among supportelements 40 a-40 d. For example, the support component having supportelements 40 a-40 d may be inflated to a first pressure, and the portionof conduit 43 adjacent to support element 40 a may be sealed to preventfurther pressure increases. The remaining support elements 40 b-40 d maythen be pressurized to a higher fluid pressure. A similar process isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,353,459 to Potter, et al.

Additional Footwear Configuration

Another article of footwear 100 is depicted in FIG. 13 as including anupper 120 and a sole structure 130. Upper 120 is secured to solestructure 130 and may exhibit the general configuration of upper 20 orany conventional or non-conventional upper. For purposes of example, aportion of sole structure 130 that is primarily located in a heel regionof footwear 100 is depicted in FIGS. 14-16. This portion of solestructure 130 is secured to a lower surface of upper 120 and includes anoutsole 131, a plate 140, and a support component 150. Outsole 131 formsa ground-engaging surface of sole structure 130 and may be formed fromone or more durable, wear-resistant elements that are textured toenhance traction. Plate 140 is positioned adjacent to upper 120 andprovides a surface for attaching chambers 150. In some embodiments, apolymer foam material, such as polyurethane or ethylvinylacetate, mayextend between plate 140 and upper 120. Support component 150 extendsbetween plate 140 and outsole 131 and includes four chambers 151 a-151d. Other portions of sole structure 130 located in a midfoot andforefoot region may have a similar configuration.

Plate 140 is formed from a semi-rigid polymer material and extends alonga lower surface of upper 120. As depicted in FIGS. 17 and 18, a lowersurface of plate 140 defines four attachment members 141 a-141 d and aplurality of ribs 142. Attachment members 141 a-141 d are formed ofunitary (i.e., one-piece) construction with plate 140 and extenddownward from plate 140 to respectively engage chambers 151 a-151 d, andthe lower surfaces of attachment members 141 a-141 d are contoured tomate with chambers 151 a-151 d. Ribs 142 extend in a longitudinaldirection of footwear 100 and enhance the stiffness of sole structure130.

Suitable materials for plate 140 include a variety of polymer materialsand any of the materials discussed above for inserts 61 and 62, forexample. In some embodiments, attachment members 141 a-141 d may beformed of a different material than a remainder of plate 140. Similarly,attachment members 141 a-141 d may be formed of a material with adifferent color than the remainder of plate 140. As an example,attachment members 141 a-141 d may be formed from a clear or at leastpartially clear material, whereas the remainder of plate 140 may beformed from a colored and opaque material. Other properties, such ashardness and density, may also vary between attachment members 141 a-141d and the remainder of plate 140. Accordingly, a dual injection moldingprocess, for example, may be utilized to form plate 140. In someembodiments, attachment members 141 a-141 d may be formed separate fromplate 140 and subsequently attached during the manufacture of footwear100.

Support component 150 is formed from a barrier material that issubstantially impermeable to a pressurized fluid contained by chambers151 a-151 d. As with chamber 50 discussed above, each of chambers 151a-151 d may be formed from a first barrier layer that is bonded to asecond barrier layer. More particularly, the first barrier layer maydefine a first surface and a sidewall surface of chambers 151 a-151 d,and the second barrier layer may define a second surface of chambers 151a-151 d. Accordingly, the barrier layers may be bonded together aroundthe peripheries of chambers 151 a-151 d to define peripheral bonds thatseal the pressurized fluid within support component 150. In furtherembodiments, each of the barrier layers may form portions of thesidewall surface such that the peripheral bonds are positioned betweenthe first surface and the second surface.

The barrier layers forming support component 150 extends betweenchambers 151 a-151 d to form a base 152 that connects chambers 151 a-151d. When incorporated into footwear 100, base 152 is positioned adjacentoutsole 131, but may be positioned adjacent plate 140. An x-shapedconduit 153 places each of chambers 151 a-151 d in fluid communication.Accordingly, an increase in pressure within one of chambers 151 a-151 dinduces a corresponding increase in pressure in the other chambers 151a-151 d. In some embodiments, conduit 153 may be absent such thatchambers 151 a-151 d are not in fluid communication. Alternately, base152 may be absent such that chambers 151 a-151 d are separate from eachother.

Inserts 61 and 62 were discussed above as limiting the degree to whichfirst surface 51 and second surface 52 protrude outward due to thepressure of the fluid within chamber 50. Similar inserts may be utilizedwith chambers 151 a-151 d. As depicted in FIGS. 19 and 20, however, eachof chambers 151 a-151 d include an internal bond 154 that extendsbetween opposite surfaces and limits the degree to which the oppositesurfaces protrude outward. Accordingly, structures similar to inserts 61and 62 may be absent from chambers 151 a-151 d. Each of chambers 151a-151 d define various centrally-located indentations in areascorresponding with bond 154. Attachment members 141 a-141 d are eachcontoured to extend into the indentations.

As discussed above, attachment members 141 a-141 d may be formed from aclear or at least partially clear material. The polymer material formingchambers 151 a-151 d may also be clear or at least partially clear suchthat the optical properties of attachment members 141 a-141 d andchambers 151 a-151 d are similar. Together, attachment members 141 a-141d and chambers 151 a-151 d form a portion of a thickness of solestructure 130. By forming attachment members 141 a-141 d from a materialwith similar optical properties as chambers 151 a-151 d, sole structure130 has the appearance that chambers 151 a-151 d form a greater portionof the thickness of sole structure 130. That is, forming attachmentmembers 141 a-141 d and chambers 151 a-151 d from a material withsimilar optical properties imparts the appearance that chambers 151a-151 d extend from outsole 131 to upper portions of plate 140. Inaddition to forming attachment members 141 a-141 d and chambers 151a-151 d from a clear material to impart optical similarity, attachmentmembers 141 a-141 d and chambers 151 a-151 d may be formed frommaterials that are similarly colored, materials that have similarsurface textures, materials with similar designs incorporated therein,or materials with any other properties that may impart similarappearances. Accordingly, attachment members 141 a-141 d and chambers151 a-151 d may be formed from materials with a substantially identicalcolor or transparency, for example, to impart optical similarity.

The above discussion focuses upon the structure of sole structure 130 inthe heel region of footwear 100. A similar structure may also beutilized in the midfoot and forefoot regions. With reference to FIG. 13,sole structure 130 includes various elements that extend downward fromupper 120 and each include an individual plate portion, chamber portion,and outsole portion. Whereas support component 150 includes fourchambers 151 a-151 d, each of these elements include a single chamber.In some embodiments, the heel region of sole structure 130 may have asimilar configuration wherein each of chambers 151 a-151 d are separatefrom each other.

The invention is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings withreference to a variety of embodiments. The purpose served by thedisclosure, however, is to provide an example of the various featuresand concepts related to aspects of the invention, not to limit the scopeof aspects of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art willrecognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to theembodiments described above without departing from the scope of theinvention, as defined by the appended claims.

1. An article of footwear having an upper and a sole structure securedto the upper, the sole structure incorporating a support elementcomprising: a sealed fluid-filled chamber formed of a polymer materialand defining a first surface having an interior side in contact with thefluid within the chamber and an exterior side not contacting the fluidwithin the chamber, an opposite second surface having an interior sidein contact with the fluid within the chamber and an exterior side notcontacting the fluid within the chamber, and a sidewall extendingbetween the first surface and the second surface; a first insert securedto the exterior side of the first surface and at least partiallyrecessed into the polymer material of the chamber; and a second insertsecured to the exterior side of the second surface, wherein the solestructure defines a void positioned in a heel region of the article offootwear, and the support element and three additional support elementsare located within the void and extend between upper and lower surfacesof the void.
 2. The article of footwear recited in claim 1, whereinconduits place the support element and the three additional supportelements in fluid communication.
 3. The article of footwear recited inclaim 1, wherein the second insert is at least partially recessed intothe polymer material of the chamber.
 4. The article of footwear recitedin claim 1, wherein the chamber is devoid of internal connections thatjoin the first surface and the second surface.
 5. The article offootwear recited in claim 1, wherein the chamber has a cylindricalconfiguration.
 6. The article of footwear recited in claim 1, whereinthe chamber is pressurized and sealed.
 7. The article of footwearrecited in claim 1, wherein the chamber is pressurized to deform atleast one of the first insert and the second insert.
 8. The article offootwear recited in claim 1, wherein the chamber is pressurized to placean outward force upon the first surface and deform the first insert todecrease a curvature of the first insert.
 9. The article of footwearrecited in claim 1, wherein the first insert has a configuration of aplate.
 10. An article of footwear having an upper and a sole structuresecured to the upper, the sole structure comprising: a midsole thatdefines a void positioned in a heel region of the footwear and extendingthrough a medial side and a lateral side of the footwear, the voidhaving an upper surface and an opposite lower surface; and at least foursupport elements located within the void and extending between the uppersurface and the lower surface, at least one of the support elementsincluding: (a) a fluid-filled chamber formed of a polymer material andhaving a first surface having an interior side in contact with the fluidwithin the chamber and an exterior side not in contact with the fluidwithin the chamber, an opposite second surface having an interior sidein contact with the fluid within the chamber and an exterior side not incontact with the fluid within the chamber, and a sidewall extendingbetween the first surface and the second surface, the chamber beingdevoid of internal connections that join the first surface and thesecond surface, and (a) a first insert and a second insert, the firstinsert being secured to the exterior side of the first surface and atleast partially recessed into the polymer material, and the secondinsert being secured to the exterior side of the second surface, whereinthe first insert has an unflexed configuration and a flexedconfiguration, the first insert having a first degree of curvature inthe unflexed configuration, and the first insert having a second degreeof curvature in the flexed configuration, the first degree of curvaturebeing greater than the second degree of curvature, and the chamber beingpressurized such that an outward force upon the first surface deformsthe first insert from the unflexed configuration to the flexedconfiguration.
 11. The article of footwear recited in claim 10, whereinconduits place the four support elements in fluid communication.
 12. Thearticle of footwear recited in claim 10, wherein the second insert is atleast partially recessed into the polymer material of the chamber. 13.The article of footwear recited in claim 10, wherein the chamber has acylindrical configuration.
 14. The article of footwear recited in claim10, wherein the first insert has a configuration of a plate.
 15. Thearticle of footwear recited in claim 10, wherein a pair of plates formthe upper surface and the lower surface of the void, the first insertand the second insert being secured to the plates.